SD SB164

Commercial driver license applicants in South Dakota must demonstrate English language proficiency as required by federal regulations (49 C.F.R. § 391.11), with all knowledge and skills tests administered in English

Law enforcement officers must assess English proficiency of commercial drivers during traffic stops or accidents; officers may cite drivers and place them out of service if they cannot respond to official inquiries in English

Operating a commercial motor vehicle without sufficient English proficiency is a Class 2 misdemeanor for first offense and Class 1 misdemeanor for subsequent offenses

Applicants must surrender any out-of-state licenses or permits before receiving a South Dakota commercial license; the department will destroy surrendered documents and notify the issuing state

Military veterans with commercial motor vehicle experience may receive waivers for knowledge and driving skills tests under federal requirements (49 C.F.R. § 383.77)